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On a warm morning in Memphis, a lively bunch of kids take to the streets, rolling down Cooper Avenue in the Cooper-Young District. They’re putting into action what they’re learning in the classroom during the school year.
“That’s exactly what our camp kids looked like,” says Sylvia Crum, executive director of Revolutions Bicycle Co-Op. “At school, STEM is theoretical. At the Revolutions Bicycle camp, you don’t just think about the mechanical aspects of riding a bike. Our camp is a chance to use science in action.”
Revolutions Bicycle Co-Op is a Memphis nonprofit aimed at building an inclusive community by getting people on bicycles. They believe that by making bicycling a desirable transportation option, a healthier, more connected and livable community is created.
Sylvia Crum
As Memphis becomes a more bike-friendly community with its miles of bike lanes, Revolutions is focusing on the next generation of riders and is now in its third summer of teaching kids how to bike around town.
“It’s fun to watch them look at a route on a map, a real map,” Crum says. “At the beginning they don’t have a clue, but by week’s end they connect where they are on a two- to three-mile ride. They see that they can move around the neighborhood on a bike.”
Revolutions Bicycle Co-Op invites children of various ages to join the day camp this summer for weeklong sessions of the Wrench & Ride Bicycle Camp.
Wrenching is exactly what it sounds like: getting a wrench in hand and learning how to change a flat tire. Other bike-riding necessities beyond recreational biking are also taught.
Foundational Bike Camp
The foundational camp covers essential skills for riding safely in a neighborhood setting, including proper road etiquette, rules of the road, and route planning. Rides during this week will focus on taking safe routes and highlight the accessibility of Memphis’ destinations to bicyclists using the current transportation infrastructure. Children should bring their own bikes and a lunch, and be prepared to ride a couple of miles.
Advanced Bike Camp
The Advanced Wrench & Ride Camp builds on the information learned in the foundational Wrench & Ride Bicycle Summer Camp. Campers are allowed to join both the foundational and advanced camps, but it is not required to participate in the foundational camp before signing up for advanced if you are solid bike rider.
In the advanced camp, Revolutions will be teaching the process they use for fully overhauling a bicycle. This covers the multiple types of bicycle components and their many variations. Each day will have a specific topic addressing a portion of the bicycle and how to overhaul and adjust it. Each camper should possess the ability to ride consistently for about eight miles with minimal rest.
Performing Arts Camp
Another different and new camp this summer will bring kids from all over to the birthplace of rock-and-roll.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland has announced its first-ever performing arts camp, to be held July 18-22, 2018. It’s an immersive theater arts and music experience for kids and teens ages 6 to 15. But what makes this camp unique is that parents can tag along, too.
The Graceland team has created a fun experience for campers, all of whom will learn acting, music, and dance techniques alongside new friends from around the world.
Participants will learn from local and Broadway professionals as they explore their creativity in workshops at the Graceland Soundstage, on stage at the Guest House at Graceland Theater, and on actual production sets.
Over the four days of activities, campers will develop their own showcase, culminating in an evening of stage performances at The Guest House Theater for family and friends.
During the camp experience, each participant will also get a chance to follow in the footsteps of Elvis Presley throughout their stay as they explore the Graceland campus, including the new Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex and The Guest House at Graceland resort, tour Elvis’ legendary home, and learn how he became the greatest entertainer of all time — in the studio, on stage, and on the big screen.
Movie screenings, pool parties, and other camp activities will take place over the four days, in addition to the performing arts workshops and creative sessions.
While participants are having fun during the day, parents and other family members will keep busy with Graceland activities, Memphis city tours, movies in the theater, and relaxing poolside at The Guest House, reuniting with their children in the evening for family dinners and activities. This is a one-of-a-kind experience for the entire family as talented kids and teens have the unique opportunity to perform live on stage at Graceland.
Visit graceland.com for pricing and additional camp info.
Wrench & Ride Bicycle Summer Camp
Week 1
- June 11-15, 2018
- (Foundations $200/week)
- Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Grades: Rising 5th, 6th, and 7th graders
Week 2
- June 18-22, 2018
- (Foundations $200/week)
- Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Grades: Rising 8th, 9th, and 10th graders
Week 3
- June 25-29, 2018
- (Advanced $250/week)
- Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Grades: Rising 8th through 12th graders
Foundations camp not required to participate in Advanced camp. Visit revolutionsmemphis.com for more details and to register for the bike summer camps.
Graceland Performing Arts Camp
- July 18-22
- Ages 6-15
- 4 days and nights
- $999 plus taxes and fees
The Graceland Performing Arts Camp package covers 2 adults and 1 child. Additional children can attend for an extra fee.
The Graceland Performing Arts Camp package includes:
- 4 nights hotel accommodations at Guest House at Graceland in standard guest room
- Meals, including breakfast, lunch options, and a welcome and finale dinner
- 2 Graceland Elvis Experience Tours for adults. Kids will tour as part of daily camp activities
- Kids’ camp activities
There is limited availability for this first-ever Graceland Performing Arts Camp experience, which includes four nights at The Guest House at Graceland resort hotel, just steps away from the Graceland Mansion, all meals, and camp activities for an all-inclusive price. For details and to reserve a spot visit graceland.com/camp or call 901-332-3322.